How to Coach Individual Moves in Kids' Soccer
Individual moves give players confidence in finding their way around the soccer field.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Soccer Apparel
- Soccer Cleats
- Soccer Shin Guards
- Soccer Uniforms
- Soccer Videos
- soccer balls
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1
Understand the purpose of individual soccer moves. Being able to turn away from pressure and to beat an opponent are very important parts of the game.
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2
Perfect moves by simply allowing players to work with the ball. The more comfortable players are when in possession of the ball, the easier it is for them to get their heads up and see the field. As the head comes up, they will see scoring and passing opportunities.
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3
Embark on these moves after you have had players engage extensively in one-on-one games.
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4
Start with a step-over, in which the player steps across the ball with one foot, immediately turns around and puts her foot on top of the ball. Then she moves away in another direction.
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5
Work on turns, spins and changing balls. (For example, on the command word "Change," everyone stops her own ball and then looks to take a teammate's ball.)
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6
Introduce moves and have your players give them names. Have your players give a move a name that's familiar and meaningful - this could mean naming the move after a local player or team, for example.
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7
Demonstrate, or have a player demonstrate, the move, using the new name for it.
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8
Use your concluding game (scrimmage) to focus on individual moves taught in the practice session.
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9
Assign individual moves in the "doggy bag" (homework) given to players after a practice session.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use the "drip feed" method. Don't try to teach everything in one session. Stick to one individual move per session.
Make use of demonstration. Kids understand "pictures" more than words.
Soccer is a physically challenging sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.
